Sonoma County residents face blocked evacuation route during wildfire

Residents of O'Donnell Lane in Sonoma County faced a dire situation during a recent wildfire when their primary evacuation route, Henno Road, became gridlocked. In a desperate attempt to escape, they relied on a century-old one-lane bridge at the end of their street. Fortunately, all residents managed to evacuate safely, but the bridge has since been closed by county inspectors due to safety concerns. Homeowner Nathan Oliver expressed frustration over the county's decision, attributing the closure to bureaucratic red tape. The bridge was deemed a potential hazard, prompting the installation of moveable 'Road Closed' signs. Residents, including Sue Braito, argued that the bridge was not inherently dangerous unless struck by a vehicle. They held a community meeting to voice their concerns, but the county's response was to reinforce the closure with K-rails. The residents are willing to fund a study to assess the bridge's safety, but the county has not shown interest in addressing their needs. Janice Thompson, Deputy Director of Engineering and Maintenance, stated that barriers would remain until removable bollards could be installed, accessible only to the fire department. The community has proposed a breakthrough barrier for emergencies, but the county has cited budget constraints and public safety risks as reasons for inaction. The residents feel that the current situation poses a greater threat to their safety than the potential risk of the bridge. The ongoing closure of the bridge highlights the tension between public safety regulations and the urgent needs of residents during emergencies. As the community grapples with these challenges, they continue to advocate for a solution that ensures their safety in future wildfire events.